🇨🇳 China · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Foreigners generally work in China on a Z visa, obtained after securing a job and a work-permit notification, then converted to a work-type residence permit after arrival. The employer and local foreigner-work authorities drive the process; there is no general work visa without an employer.
Foreign employees generally need a work-type (Z) visa, then a Foreigner's Work Permit and a residence permit after arrival. Entry/exit and residence are administered by the National Immigration Administration.
- An employer-sponsored Foreigner's Work Permit is obtained before the work (Z) visa is used to enter.
- After entry, the work permit and a residence permit are completed locally.
- Visas are issued by Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.
Step-by-step
- 1
Secure a job and confirm eligibility
Secure a job with a Chinese employer and confirm you meet the work-permit criteria (the points-based classification A/B/C).
- 2
Employer obtains the work-permit notification
The employer applies for the Foreigner’s Work Permit Notification through the local foreigner-work authorities.
- 3
Apply for a Z visa
With the notification, apply for a Z (work) visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
- 4
Enter China and get the work permit
Enter on the Z visa; within the required period the employer completes the Foreigner’s Work Permit.
- 5
Apply for the residence permit
Apply at the local exit-entry administration for a work-type residence permit, which replaces the visa for your stay.
- 6
Register and renew
Register your accommodation with the police, and renew the work permit and residence permit before they expire.
Checklist
- Job offer + work-permit category (A/B/C) confirmed
- Foreigner’s Work Permit Notification (employer)
- Z (work) visa at the mission
- Foreigner’s Work Permit completed after entry
- Work-type residence permit from exit-entry administration
- Accommodation registration with the police
- Work + residence permit renewals tracked
- Health check if required
Official authorities
- National Immigration Administration
Entry-exit, residence permits and immigration.
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS)
Foreigner work-permit policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the process to work in China?
You first receive a job offer and a work-permit notification, apply for a Z visa at a Chinese embassy, enter China, then convert to a work permit and residence permit within the required period.
Do I need a degree and experience?
Most work permits use a tiered points system weighing qualifications, salary and experience; a bachelor's degree and relevant experience are commonly expected.
Can my family join me?
Yes — family members can usually apply for S-type visas and dependent residence permits linked to your work residence permit.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- China Government Portal — State Council official portal — policy releases, public services, and government documents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — China's foreign policy and consular services — passport, visa, and consular protection info
- National Immigration Administration — Visas, permanent residency, and border control for foreigners entering China
- State Taxation Administration — Personal income tax filing, business tax registration, and VAT invoice verification